FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Halotherapy?

Halotherapy, taken from the Greek word halos meaning “salt”, is a natural treatment that has been dated back to the twelfth century. Halotherapy, also known as salt therapy, is a holistic type of treatment that mimics that of a salt cave. Dry aerosol salt is heated, grinded up to micro-sized particles and then dispersed into the room for inhalation. This process is greatly beneficial for respiratory and skin conditions. It can be used as an alternative complementary treatment or on its own for a general overall wellbeing treatment.

Why Halotherapy?

From pollens and toxins, to pollution, smog and airborne diseases, our society has never been faced with such a growing epidemic of respiratory ailments. Halotherapy, also know as salt therapy, is beneficial in helping the side effects that come with such conditions. It has been researched for centuries and has been proven as a safe alternative and compliments other treatments.

Who benefits from Salt Therapy?

Halotherapy is beneficial to adults and children as well as athletes and animals. Most clients who use halotherapy on a regular basis feel relief from an array of respiratory and skin conditions. However, one does not need to have a specific condition to use halotherapy, it’s beneficial to your general overall wellbeing. It is an excellent way to cleanse and detox the lungs as well as rejuvenate the whole body with increased lung capacity and oxygen intake.

How does Salt Therapy work?

Most people are familiar with ‘wet’ salt therapy, Whether you have gargled with salt water, put salt in a bath, had a saline solution treatment or used a Nettie pot, wet salt has its benefits; but dry salt is different and the drier the salt the better. At Saltastic we use what is called a Halogenerator in each of our salt rooms and we heat up the salt prior to dispersing it into the rooms. Heat ensures that all moisture is evaporated so when it is inhaled, the salt particles can do their best job. The particles penetrate deep into the lungs, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli, which breaks down the toxins and clears the respiratory system. While inside the salt room, the salt particles that are not inhaled fall onto the skin, which is greatly beneficial for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and acne.

What are the conditions and ailments that can be treated by Salt Therapy?

How do I know if Halotherapy is right for me?

Salt therapy has many benefits for maintaining wellness. Salt therapy relieves symptoms of many conditions and also works in conjunction with your medication and treatment plan. In addition, even if you aren’t suffering from any specific conditions, our salt rooms provide a comfortable, quiet, serene space for relaxation and escape from everyday life. It can also help strengthen the immune system, help you recover faster from jet lag, work-outs and stress, slow down the signs of aging and help improve sleep patterns.

Is Salt Therapy safe for children?

It is definitely safe for children. There are no potential harmful effects. The treatment is completely natural and in fact, children often respond to treatment faster than adults. At Saltastic, we have both an Adult and Kids’ therapy room. Children can play with books, puzzles, and toys while receiving the benefits of salt therapy.

What happens during a salt session?

Halotherapy sessions are 45 minutes long and start promptly on the hour. Our salt rooms are very tranquil and relaxing. We have a number of gravity chairs for your comfort. You are welcome to sleep, read or just relax and unwind; be advised the lights are dim for relaxation purposes and there is soft music playing in each room. Electronics and talking are not allowed during sessions to allow for a complete tranquil experience for all of our clients.

Am I alone in the Salt Room?

In our general room there is anywhere from 1-7 people in each session.

In our private room there are 2 chairs, you have the option of being by yourself or with a spouse/friend.

How many sessions does a person need to take / how often do you need a session?

This varies widely among individuals, and the condition being treated is a big factor. Some conditions and milder symptoms will improve or dissipate within just a couple of sessions. You may have some relief after one session; however, for the best results we recommend a series of treatments. Those with chronic conditions most likely need to come twice a week for the first 6-8 weeks. Those who come for stress relief and relaxation simply come as often as they like. For many conditions, after a series of sessions, symptoms subside and relief can last for several months before another session is needed. It can also be used as a preventative measure to strengthen the immune system against colds, cough, allergies, and sinusitis.

What should be worn when receiving therapy in The Salt Rooms?

Basically, you want to be comfortable. Loose clothing that you can relax in is best. If you have a skin condition you may want to wear something that exposes more skin. For those without skin conditions such as (dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis)…these conditions are not contagious and cannot be passed from one person the other. The salt in the air will not harm or be noticeable on your clothes. You will be given disposable shoe coverings to slip over your feet or shoes. For children we request that they come in clean clothing and socks and that long hair be pulled back in a ponytail.

If you need your inhaler or other medical device, please bring it with you into the session.

In which cases should Salt Therapy be avoided?

Halotherapy is not recommended for individuals with the following conditions: existence of cancer, any kind of infectious disease, acute respiratory disease, cardiac insufficiency, cardiac and coronary diseases, COPD with 3rd stage of chronic lung insufficiency, coughing of blood/bleeding, infections accompanied by fever, high blood pressure/hypertension in IIB stage, any form or stage of tuberculosis, intoxication and chronic kidney disease.

What about the concern that salt is bad for you?

Consuming too much salt is linked to high blood pressure. With salt therapy, you are inhaling a dry salt aerosol which only enters your respiratory system not your digestion tract. The salt particles are so fine that even if you were to eat that amount it would not pose a risk to your health.

How will I feel after the first session?

You may experience a loose cough or sinus drainage. This is absolutely NORMAL and exactly what you want to occur. A sound sleep is a typical response from clients after their first session.

Do you need to stop taking medications if receiving salt therapy?

No. It is fine to continue your medications as you need and as directed by your doctor. Since salt therapy is all-natural it does not have any interactive effects with medications. Often, individuals who undergo salt therapy will find that they are less dependent on certain medication and that their symptoms are less frequent and less severe.

How sterile is the salt room – could someone pick up germs?

Salt naturally absorbs bacteria. The walls and floor of the rooms at Saltastic are covered with salt which creates an almost sterile environment.. Chairs, tables, toys, books, and magazines are wiped down frequently.

What kind of salt is used?

We use 100% Himalayan Salt on our walls and floors and 100% Pharmaceutical Grade Salt (sodium chloride) in our Halogenerators.

What is the difference between salt therapy and sea air?

Salt is anti-inflammatory, meaning it absorbs moisture. Sea air is not as potent because it is already moist, which takes away its strong ability to heal. When you breathe in dry salt aerosol in our treatment rooms, the particles line your airways and draw out the fluid from the inflamed airway. This fluid, now mixed with the salt goes to work on cleaning the walls of the airways. One session in a salt room is equivalent to three (3) days at beach.

What will my experience be like?

When you arrive at Saltastic, you will be directed to check in and fill out our client intake form. We will then bring you on a tour of our facility. Clients are advised to remove footwear, disposable shoe covers are provided and must be worn once in the salt rooms, clients just sit, relax and breathe. Our staff can answer any questions you may have.

Can electronics be brought into the salt rooms?

Electronics are not allowed during sessions. Salt rooms are full of negative ions, which have “clarity effect”, reduce stress, headaches, lethargy, depression and increase energy, mental alertness, and overall sense of well being. Electronics are positively charged which would defeat the purpose of the negative ions.